NFL Week 17 Picks: Early Predictions for All Season Finales

Multiple teams will vie for three open NFL playoff spots in a scenario similar to musical chairs. Above all, winning removes complication in these situations. However, a loss would put a contending club in the tiebreaker shuffle. How will teams perform in crucial matchups?

The Atlanta Falcons-Carolina Panthers matchup is among the more notable. One team needs a victory to return to the postseason, while the other still has an opportunity to win an NFC South division title, with some help. How does the next chapter in this division rivalry play out?

Both AFC wild-card spots remain open going into Week 17. The Tennessee Titans made their pathway to the playoffs difficult after losing three consecutive games. Nonetheless, a win at home would right the ship.

Will the Buffalo Bills return to the postseason? First, they have to beat a division rival as the first step toward an AFC wild-card berth.

Let's go through the matchups and predictions for each game in Week 17. 

Week 17 Matchups and Score Predictions

New York Jets at New England Patriots: Patriots 35-10

Washington Redskins at New York Giants: Redskins 31-7

Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons: Panthers 23-20

Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens 23-17

Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions: Lions 24-20

Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts: Colts 27-14

Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins: Bills 24-17

Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings: Vikings 31-6

Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles: Cowboys 27-21

Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers: Steelers 28-17

New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Saints 31-20

Jacksonville Jaguars at Tennessee Titans: Jaguars 21-13

Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos: Broncos 20-14

San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams: Rams 31-28

Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks: Seahawks 23-10

Oakland Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers: Raiders 21-17

Notable Week 17 Predictions

Carolina Panthers Terminate Atlanta Falcons' Playoff Hopes

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The Falcons won't have an opportunity to defend their title as NFC champions. Despite a win-and-in situation, head coach Dan Quinn's group doesn't have the offensive consistency under new offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian to finish with a victory. 

The Falcons struggled to score against the New Orleans Saints in Week 16, partially due to two costly turnovers. Defensive coordinator Steve Wilks' unit doesn't allow much margin for error. 

The Falcons need quality performances from their star players—running back Devonta Freeman and wideout Julio Jones. The five-time Pro Bowl pass-catcher caught seven passes for 149 yards against the Saints, but the offense only converted 2-of-13 third-down situations.

The better defense should win this matchup. Carolina will improve to 12-4 with a shot at a division title, pending the outcome of New Orleans' matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Tennessee Titans Complete 4-Game Collapse

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Expect the Titans to finish 8-8 with head coach Mike Mularkey on the hot seat. It's inexcusable to go into Week 13 as an 8-4 squad but miss the playoffs at .500. 

The Titans' exotic smash-mouth offense hasn't delivered over the past three games. Opponents have held their ground attack to fewer than 100 yards in that span. Tennessee boasts a 4-0 record when eclipsing the century mark on the ground.

With running back DeMarco Murray suffering an LCL injury that will require further testing, per ESPN's Adam Schefter, expect the Titans' rushing offense to struggle against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Quarterback Marcus Mariota hasn't done enough to compensate for an average ground attack. He's not likely to pull through against a top-tier pass defense coming off an embarrassing performance.    

Buffalo Bills Win, Sneak into Playoff Picture

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The Miami Dolphins have nothing to play for, and Buffalo has an opportunity to return to the postseason after a 17-year absence.

The Bills have a winnable matchup against a sub-.500 team. The Dolphins don't field a high-powered offense and looked lethargic in a 29-13 defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs. Miami upset the New England Patriots in Week 14 but lost the following game to Buffalo.

With quarterback Tyrod Taylor and running back LeSean McCoy healthy, the Bills have enough to beat the Dolphins, who allowed 116 rushing yards in the first meeting.

Despite playing at Hard Rock Stadium, the Bills will come into this game pumped up knowing there's a possibility for postseason play. Assuming Tennessee loses, Buffalo will become Oakland Raiders fans as they take on the Chargers in a 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff.